Perth band make grovelling apology after ‘blacklisting’ over gig damage

The image, posted on the Facebook page of Edinburgh music venue Bannerman’s Bar by manager Christian Kimmett, shows some of the damage left behind in the accommodation generously offered to visiting bands.

In a lengthy statement, band members said they were dismayed by the vandalism and by the “immaturity” they displayed by running away rather than staying to face the music.

The apology also saw the band claim not all its members had been present, blame others for much of the damage and point out the spray-paint used had been “found on the premises”.

The members of Majik Carpet – who met as students in Perth – said: “By now, all of our Majik Carpet Friends and pretty much half of Scotland will be aware that we were in-charge of band accommodation at the brilliant venue Bannermans Bar in Edinburgh’s Cowgate, when the flat bathroom was vandalised with spray-paint.

“We are desperate for this opportunity to apologise publicly for the damage that was caused to the premises under our watch.

“We would like to make clear that although we were responsible for the accommodation – having gone out to sample Edinburgh’s delights – we were not present as a full band at the time of the vandalism.

“When confronted with this we reacted immaturely and in disbelief. We tried to clean up the mess and panicked about the situation at the time.

“We have never woken up to a spray-painted bathroom before – and we had no idea what on earth we should do.

“This however, in no way excuses the way in which we dealt with the ensuing situation and for the damage caused to the premises under our care and our childish response to the situation.”

The band’s statement adds: “We have been in contact with Bannerman’s…and have apologised profusely for the damage and promised that any costs for damages would be met by the band as a whole.”